Joy Davies never expected a simple idea she had in July last year – to encourage others to a provide a random act of kindness – would have taken off like it has.
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Nearly nine months later, the Pay It Forward Bears Promotion Facebook group has over 1,500 members of its tight-knit community, with one purpose: making teddy bears to give to children’s hospitals, ambulance stations, cancer wards, aged care facilities, and to anyone who has just needed a hug.
Joy’s niece, Cassie Glazier, heard the call of the ‘pay-it-forward’ initiative from her aunt, and last Friday gave out nearly a hundred home made bears to the residents of Pioneer House, where she works.
It was an instant hit, with the bears lighting up the days of many of the residents and, just like the campaign that kicked the whole drive off, it was a success.
The far-flung spread of the action group is nothing short of impressive, and Joy is over the moon that her brainchild has impacted so many people.
“I still can’t get over that we’ve made over five thousand bears since July. It’s just phenomenal,” Ms Davies, who moved from Mudgee to Raymond Terrace, said.
“We’ve had members from South Africa, Belgium, the US and Canada, Bulgaria, Malaysia, Ecuador...
“It’s unreal how far this idea has spread.”
If you are interested in getting involved, join the Pay It Forward Bears Promotion Facebook group.